The Biden administration has sent a stern warning to the Israeli government, threatening to impose a full arms embargo unless they improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip within 30 days. The letter, signed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, was sent to several Israeli ministers on Monday.
However, critics argue that the administration’s demand ignores the fact that a significant portion of humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza is diverted by Hamas, the Iranian-backed militant group responsible for the ongoing conflict. Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman has denounced the move, describing it as “repugnant” and “cruel.”
Friedman took to X, citing that Israel is fighting a war on multiple fronts against terrorist forces that show no regard for human life or morality. He claimed that the US demand for increased humanitarian aid would only prolong the conflict and enable Hamas to hijack the aid. Friedman also pointed out that the International Committee of the Red Cross has not visited the civilian hostages held by Hamas, highlighting the hypocrisy of the US stance.
“This is just political gamesmanship by the Biden/Harris administration to pick up a few more votes among its woke supporters,” Friedman wrote. “It’s a cynical but deadly gambit that will make a hostage deal even less likely and lead to more carnage and instability. Amateur hour!”
Former Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Oren has also expressed deep concern over the administration’s move. “The Biden Administration’s warning to suspend arms to Israel unless the ‘humanitarian situation’ in Gaza improves is deeply disturbing,” Oren posted on X. “Israel strongly denies that any crisis exists and works daily to ensure a fully adequate food supply to Gaza.”
Oren emphasized that the administration’s willingness to abandon Israel in the midst of a war for its survival raises doubts about America’s dependability as an ally and its commitment to defend the Free World.
